All details were similar to the Cleveland Class except that this class had only a single funnel.

By 1942 it was desired to improve on existing cruiser designs, based on war experience to date. These improvements were in the main concerned with reduced topweight and better internal subdivision. The 6in turrets were lowered by about a foot, the forward and aft shelter decks extended to enclose the forward and after turret barbettes, the 5in wing gunhouses were lowered to the upper deck, and the 40mm mountings lowered. lntemally, there were significant changes. The fire rooms were altered so that all uptakes vented to a single funnel, and the superstructure was altered accordingly, with a corresponding benefit in the fields of fire for the AA guns. The hangar was halved in size to allow extra berthing space for the crew, and, in consequence, these ships could accommodate only two float planes. The bridge structures were altered, lowered and rearranged, as were the directors.